Additive dispersing filter and method of making

ABSTRACT

A method for dispersing an oil additive into an oil passing through a filter, the method comprising: filling a first cavity of an additive cartridge with an additive; locating the additive cartridge within a housing of the filter, the additive cartridge being located within a flow path through the filter, the additive cartridge having a second cavity without any additive disposed therein, the second cavity defining a first fluid path through the additive cartridge and the oil must pass through the second cavity in order to exit the filter; and metering the additive through an opening in the additive cartridge, the opening providing a second fluid path into the additive cartridge.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/679,148 filedFeb. 26, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,811,462, which is a continuation ofSer. No. 10/863,581 filed Jun. 8, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,863 B2which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/352,344,filed Jan. 27, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,018,531 B2, which is acontinuation in part of Ser. No. 09/867,973, filed May 30, 2001, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,291,264 B2 which is a continuation in part of Ser. No.09/566,034 filed May 8, 2000, now abandoned. The contents each of whichare incorporated herein by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a filter for a fluid and a method formaking the same.

Many different types of fluid filters are known. Most such filters use amechanical or ‘screening’ type of filtration, with a porous filterelement disposed therein. The oil is repeatedly cycled through thefilter element to remove impurities.

In the oil filtration art, it is well known that normal operation of aninternal combustion engine, particularly a diesel engine, results in theformation of contaminants. These contaminants include, among others,soot, which is formed from incomplete combustion of the fossil fuel, andacids that result from combustion. These contaminants are typicallyintroduced into the lubricating oil during engine operation, and tend toincrease oil viscosity and generate unwanted engine deposits, leading toincreased engine wear.

The conventional solution to these problems has been to place variousadditives into lubricating oils, during their initial formulation. Inorder to combat soot-related problems, many conventional lubricatingoils include dispersants that resist agglomeration of soot therein.These work well for a short period, but may become depleted.Additionally, due to the solubility and chemical stability limits ofthese dispersants in the oil, the service lives of the lubricating oiland the oil filter are less than optimal.

In order to counteract the effects of acidic combustion products, manyconventional motor oils include neutralizing additives known asover-based detergents. These are a source of TBN (total base number),which is a measure of the quantity of the over-based detergent in theoil. The depletion of the TBN is an important limiting factor for manyinternal combustion engines, and in particular for heavy-dutyapplications with diesel engines.

In order to improve engine protection and to combat other problems,conventional lubricating oils often include one or more furtheradditives, which may be corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, frictionmodifiers, pour point depressants, detergents, viscosity indeximprovers, anti-wear agents, and/or extreme pressure additives. Theinclusion of these further additives may be beneficial; however, withconventional methods, the amount and concentration of these additivesare limited by the ability of lubricating oils to suspend theseadditives, as well as by the chemical stability of these additives inthe oil.

While the known filters are usable for their intended purposes, therelease of supplemental additives from the known filters often takesplace either immediately after installation or more rapidly than isneeded for protecting the oil. Subsequently, after some time haselapsed, there may be little or no additive left in the filter.

Another problem with many of the known filter designs is that beneficialadditives are added to the oil before the oil is mechanically filteredthrough a filter element. As a result, when the oil is mechanicallyfiltered, some of the beneficial additives that have just been added maybe immediately filtered out.

Therefore it is desirable to provide a filter having an additiveincorporated therein, wherein the additive is slowly released over theuseful life of the filter. It is also desirable to provide an oil filterwhich could extend the useful life of engine oil so as to allow a userto extend the time interval between oil changes in a vehicle,particularly a vehicle having a diesel engine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An additive dispersing filter and method of making is provided.Exemplary embodiments provide a filter, comprising: a housing definingan inlet fluid opening and an outlet fluid opening, the inlet fluidopening and the outlet fluid opening defining a fluid path through thefilter; a filter element disposed inside the filter housing, the filterelement being disposed in the flow path such that fluid flowing throughthe flow path must pass through the filter; a center tube located withinan interior area defined by the filter element; a dispersement devicedisposed within the center tube, the dispersement device comprising afirst area and a second area, the first area being disposed proximate tothe outlet fluid opening; and an additive composition disposed withinthe second area of the dispersement device, wherein fluid communicationto the additive composition is facilitated through a plurality ofopenings in portions of the dispersement device defining the secondarea.

Also disclosed herein is a method for dispersing an additive into an oilfrom a filter, the method comprising: filling a first cavity of anadditive cartridge with an additive; locating the additive cartridgewithin a housing of the filter, the additive cartridge being locatedwithin a flow path through the filter, the additive cartridge having asecond cavity without any additive disposed therein, the second cavitydefining a first fluid path through the additive cartridge and the oilmust pass through the second cavity in order to exit the filter; andmetering the additive through an opening in the additive cartridge, theopening providing a second fluid path into the additive cartridge.

Also disclosed herein is an additive dispersing member configured to bereceived within an oil filter, comprising: a main body portion defininga fluid flow path through a wall of the main body portion and a firstarea defined by the main body portion; and an additive receiving areafor receiving and retaining an additive to be dispersed into fluidflowing through the fluid flow path, wherein fluid flowing through thefluid flow path is also in fluid communication with the additive.

An additive dispersing member configured to be received within an oilfilter, comprising: an elongated main body portion having a wall portionand being open at either end; a first area and a second area defined bya dividing wall portion extending from the wall; a first plurality ofopenings in a portion of the wall portion defining the first area, thefirst plurality of openings and an open end of the elongated main bodyportion defining a flow path through the additive dispersing member; anda second plurality of openings in another portion of the wall portiondefining the second area, the second plurality of openings and anotheropen end of the elongated main body portion providing fluidcommunication to an additive disposed in the second area.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an additivedispensing cartridge for an oil filter assembly, and to an oil filterincorporating the cartridge. More particularly, exemplary embodimentsrelate to an additive dispensing cartridge containing a beneficialadditive composition, and to an oil filter having a centrally locatedadditive dispenser incorporated therein. Other exemplary embodimentsrelate to an oil filter in which a centrally located additive dispenser,containing one or more oil-conditioning compounds therein, is operableto slowly release the oil conditioning compounds, over time, intofiltered engine oil on the downstream, or ‘clean’ side of the filterelement.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an improved oilfilter, having a basic conditioner and/or another beneficial additiveincorporated therein. In one embodiment, the beneficial additive ishoused within a centrally located additive dispenser cartridge, which isoperable to dispense an additive composition into relatively cleanfiltered oil that has already passed through the filter element.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the additive chamberincludes an additive cartridge which is a hollow shell, and a beneficialadditive contained within the housing. The additive chamber is locatedinside of the mechanical filter element at a central part of the filter,so that the oil has already been mechanically filtered when additive isadded thereto.

The apparatus according to the invention may also include a baffle fordirecting oil flow, and the additive cartridge may be attached to thebaffle. Where the baffle is used, a dividing wall may be providedbetween the baffle and the additive chamber.

The additive cartridge has at least one opening, and may have a limitednumber of openings therein to control the rate of diffusion therefrom.

Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide anoil filter including one or more beneficial oil additives that arereleased slowly over the life of the filter.

The above-described and other features are appreciated and understood bythose skilled in the art from the following detailed description,drawings, and appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an oil filter in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a side plan view of a first alternative exemplary embodimentof the oil filter of FIG. 1, partially cut away and partially shown incross-section, wherein a hollow additive cartridge contains a solidblock of an additive composition;

FIG. 2B is a side plan view of another alternative exemplary embodimentof the oil filter of FIG. 1, partially cut away and partially shown incross-section, wherein a hollow additive cartridge contains a pluralityof pellets formed of an additive composition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an additive cartridge, which is acomponent of the oil filters of FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B;

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the additive cartridge of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the additive cartridge of FIGS. 3and 4, taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side plan view, partially in cross section, of analternative additive cartridge in accordance with alternative exemplaryembodiment of the invention, wherein the cartridge takes the generalform of a basket;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 6, showing asolid additive concentrate therein;

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of another alternative additive cartridge inaccordance with another alternative exemplary embodiment of theinvention, wherein the cartridge takes the general form of a hollowcenter tube with an additive composition contained therein;

FIGS. 9-11 are perspective views of an additive cartridge in accordancewith exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the cartridge of FIGS. 9-11;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross sectional view of the cartridge of FIGS.9-11;

FIG. 14 is a view along lines 14-14 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a view along lines 15-15 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a view along lines 16-16 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a view along lines 17-17 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a view along lines 18-18 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of an oil filter constructed in accordancewith exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross sectional view of an oil filter constructedin accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of an additive cartridge or dispensingdevice in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, afilter and method of making a filter is disclosed. In an exemplaryembodiment the filter will be comprised of an additive cartridge forproviding a means for introducing an additive into filtered oil. Inaddition, an additive cartridge and method of making is also disclosedwherein the cartridge provides a means for retaining an additive fordispersement into the oil over a period of time.

Throughout the present specification, relative positional terms like‘upper’, ‘lower’, ‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘horizontal’, ‘vertical’, and thelike are used to refer to the filter and components in the orientationthereof shown in the drawings. These terms are used in an illustrativesense to describe the depicted embodiments, and are not meant to belimitative. It will be understood that in a specific applicationthereof, a filter may be installed on an engine in an orientationdifferent from that shown in the drawings, such as inverted 180 degreesor transverse to that shown, and in such a case, the above-identifiedrelative positional terms will no longer be accurate.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, there is shown an oil filter 20 accordingto a first exemplary embodiment of this invention. The direction of oilflow, through the filter 20, is shown by the arrows in FIG. 2A, whichillustrate a flow path through the filter.

The oil filter 20 generally includes a hollow cylindrical housing 22which defines a hollow chamber 14 therein, a porous, mechanical filterelement 15 within that chamber, and a centrally located additivecartridge 18, also retained inside the housing chamber 14.

The housing 22 includes a hollow, generally cylindrical case 21, and abase plate 24 sealingly attached to the case.

A foraminous center tube 17 may, optionally, be provided within thefilter housing 22 to supportively reinforce the mechanical filterelement 15 thereon.

An anti-drainback valve 19 is provided inside the filter housing 22, atthe base of the center tube 17, to keep oil in the filter 20 duringengine shutoff, when the filter is mounted in the orientation shown inFIG. 2. The oil filter 20 may incorporate a spring-loaded pressurerelief valve of a type known to those in the art. A retainer 45 may beprovided above the center tube 17, to exert a downward pressure thereon.

The housing base plate 24 includes a plurality of inlet ports 28 formedtherethrough and arranged in a circular pattern. The base plate 24 alsoincludes a central outlet port 26. The outlet port 26 has a plurality offemale threads formed therein, to allow rotatable mounting of the filter20 on an externally threaded hollow tubular fitting on an engine block(not shown). An annular external seal or gasket 33 (FIG. 1) fitsengagingly into a groove 30 formed at the bottom surface of the baseplate, to resist oil leakage outwardly from the base of the filter.

In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, the mechanical filter element15 includes a conventional cylindrical member made of accordion-pleatedfilter paper.

Further in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2A and 3-5, the filter 20 containsan additive cartridge 18 disposed centrally and coaxially inside of thecenter tube 17, in the middle of the mechanical filter element 15. Theadditive cartridge 18 includes a hollow cartridge shell 35, provided ina generally cylindrical shape, closed at the top and open at the bottomthereof in the orientation shown. The additive cartridge 18 alsoincludes a solid additive composition 16 inside of the cartridge shell35.

The hollow cartridge shell 35 has a cylindrical side wall 36 with aplurality of apertures 37 formed in a lower portion thereof. Thecartridge shell 35 also includes a cap 38, which covers the top of theside wall 36 and is integrally formed therewith.

As seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, the cartridge shell 35also includes a horizontal dividing wall 39 extending across a part ofthe side wall 36 above the apertures 37. The dividing wall 39 subdividesthe shell 35 into two sections, a lower baffle portion 40 and an upperdispenser housing 41 containing a hollow storage chamber 42 therein.

The cartridge shell 35 has at least one opening 25 formed therethroughto allow fluid communication between the storage chamber 42 and theexterior of the cartridge. The opening(s) may be formed in the side wall36, the cap 38, and/or the dividing wall 39. The number and size of theopening(s) 25 may be selected to control the rate of dissolution of theadditive material 16 from the dispenser housing 41 for a particularapplication.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2-5, the additive cartridge 35 also has ahorizontal flange 44 extending transversely outwardly from the side wall36 at the base of the baffle 40. The flange 44 may be included tocooperate with the anti-drainback valve 19, to help seal against fluidbypassing the mechanical filter 15 under normal operation conditions.

In the practice of the present invention, the additive cartridge 18 ispreferred to be located in the flow path downstream of the mechanicalfilter element 15, in order to allow the beneficial additive compositionthereof to be released into the oil on the clean side of the filterelement, after mechanical filtration has been achieved.

The additive cartridge 18 contains a beneficial additive compositiontherein, which may be a solid block 16, as shown in FIG. 2A. In otherwords, the additive composition 16 may be solid at standard temperatureand pressure, defined as 25 degrees C. and one atmosphere pressure.

The additive composition 16 may be injected into the cartridge shell 35in a hot liquid state, and allowed to solidify as it cools.Alternatively, the additive composition 16 may be added in powderedform, or may be dispersed in a grease or wax. The additive composition16 is preferred to be at least partially soluble in hot engine oil.

The additive composition 16 includes one or more additives which may beselected from the group including basic conditioners, corrosioninhibitors, metal deactivators, antioxidants, dispersants, frictionmodifiers, oil stabilizers, pour point depressants, detergents,viscosity index improvers, anti-wear agents, extreme pressure additives,mixtures of the above additives, and/or other known beneficialadditives.

The basic conditioner of the additive cartridge, where used, ispreferably a basic salt selected from the group consisting of calciumcarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, aluminumdihydroxy sodium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, zincoxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide,potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof.

The material selected for the cartridge shell 35 is preferred to be amaterial which remains stable in a hot oil environment. Preferredmaterials are metals such as steel and oil-tolerant plastics such as,e.g., polyacetals. The cartridge 18 allows the beneficial additivecomposition 16 to be slowly released into the oil, thereby conditioningthe oil in a metered manner over time.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, the concentrated additivecomposition in the cartridge 18 may be provided as a plurality ofseparate individual pellets 48, in order to provide greater surface areathan is afforded with the solid additive block 16 of FIG. 2A.

Where pellets 48 are used, they may be disassociated and separate fromone another.

Alternatively, the individual additive-dispensing pellets 48 housedwithin the cartridge shell 35 may be bonded together or otherwisecohesively associated with one another to form a substantially integral,yet highly porous structure capable of independent self-support. Wherethe pellets 48 are joined together in this way, the cartridge shell 35is not required, and may be omitted if desired.

During use, as hot oil slowly flows past and around the cartridge 18,some of the oil enters the dispenser housing 41 via the opening 25,causing a small amount of the beneficial additive 16 to pass outwardlyfrom the dispenser housing, and to mix with the oil. Where used, thebasic salt component of the additive 16 acts to counteract andneutralize acidic combustion products. This neutralization of acidiccombustion products allows for a much longer useful life of some otheroil additives such as, for example, dispersants and zincdialkyldithiophosphate (ZDP), which are provided in the oil by themanufacturer thereof. This, in turn, allows for greater intervalsbetween oil changes than is possible without the chemically activefilter element.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an additive cartridge 218 in accordance with asecond embodiment of the invention is shown. Unless specified ordepicted as being different herein, the additive cartridge 218 issubstantially similar to the additive cartridge 18 as previouslydescribed. Those in the art will understand that the additive cartridge218 of FIG. 6 may be substituted into the oil filter 20 of FIG. 2Ainstead of the additive cartridge 18 thereof, located above the centertube as indicated by FIG. 6.

The cartridge 218 in this embodiment includes a hollow cartridge shell235 in the form of a basket. The shell 235 is either supported by orotherwise attached to the center tube 217. While the center tube 217 isshown in simplified form in the drawings, it will be understood that itis a porous member. The shell 235 may include a top flange 219 forconnecting to the center tube. The shell 235 has a recessed space formedin the top thereof for supportively receiving a retainer spring 245. Theshell 235 also has one or more openings 225 formed therein to allowfluid communication with between the interior thereof and the spacesurrounding the shell. A solid additive concentrate 216 is providedinside of the shell 235, in a manner similar to that described above forthe first embodiment. The additive may be in one piece or may bepelletized.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an additive cartridge 318 in accordance with athird embodiment of the invention is shown. Unless specified or depictedas being different herein, the additive cartridge 318 is substantiallysimilar to the additive cartridge 18 as previously described. Those inthe art will understand that the additive cartridge 318 of FIG. 8 may besubstituted into the oil filter 20 of FIG. 2A instead of the additivecartridge 18 and center tube 17 thereof.

The cartridge 318 in this embodiment is a modified center tube. In theembodiment of FIGS. 6-7, the cartridge 318 includes a hollow cylindricalshell 335 with a solid additive 316 contained therein. The shell 235also has one or more openings 325 formed therein to allow fluidcommunication with between the interior thereof and the spacesurrounding the shell. A solid additive concentrate 316 is providedinside of the shell 235, in a manner similar to that described above forthe first embodiment. The additive may be in one piece or may bepelletized.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-20 another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. Here component parts performing similar oranalogous functions are labeled in multiples of 100. Referring now toFIGS. 9-18, an additive cartridge or a carrier/disbursement device 418for an additive 416 is illustrated. In exemplary embodiment,disbursement device 418 comprises a shell portion 435 that defines afirst receiving area 441 and a second receiving area 442. In accordancewith exemplary embodiment, first receiving area 441 and a secondreceiving area 442 are separated by a dividing wall 439. In addition,first receiving area 441 defines a portion of an outlet fluid path ofthe oil filter wherein fluid flows into a plurality of openings 425disposed above wall 439, which provide fluid communication to firstreceiving area 441.

Disbursement device 418 comprises an annular flange 444, which dependsoutwardly from the periphery of first receiving area 441. Annular flange444 provides a securement means for insertion of disbursement device 418within a central portion of the oil filter.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 second receiving area 442 is definedby the side walls of shell portion 435 which depend downwardly fromdividing wall 439, and dividing wall 439. Flow is permitted into secondreceiving area 442 by a plurality of openings 425 in shell portion 435which are disposed below dividing wall 439. In addition, access is alsoprovided to second receiving area 442 through an opening 450 defined atthe bottom of disbursement device 418. Opening 450 is defined by the endof the walls of shell portion 435 which depend downwardly from dividingwall 439.

Accordingly, additive 416 when positioned in area 442 is in fluidcommunication with fluid flowing through the oil filter via openings 425disposed below dividing wall 439 and opening 450. Opening 425 andopening 450 maximize the surface area of additive 416 that is in fluidcommunication with the oil. Moreover, this large amount of surface areaexposure allows additive to more uniformly disperse into the oil. Inaddition, the rate of additive dispersement can be determined by theamount of exposed surface area. Thus, by determining the amount ofexposed surface area defined by openings 425 and 450 the rate ofdispersement of the additive can be determined.

In exemplary embodiment, shell portion 435 defines a cylinder that isopen at either end and divided into two chambers by dividing wall 439,which traverses across the diameter of the cylinder defined by shellportion 435. Moreover, additive 416 is disposed in additive containmentchamber (area 442) wherein fluid communication to the additive isprovided by a plurality of apertures in the wall portions of thecylinder defining the additive chamber as well as one of the open endsof the cylinder.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and in order to disposedadditive 416 within second receiving area 442, disbursement device 418is positioned such that annular flange 444 is disposed on a supportingsurface and opening 450 is positioned to receive additive 416. Thus, thelarger opening 450 is positioned to receive the additive in a viscous orun-cured state. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, additive 416is placed within receiving area in a liquid state and then cured into agel form such that additive 416 remains in receiving area 442 oncecartridge 418 is disposed into the oil filter. The consistency of theadditive when cured will allow the same to be retained in area 442 whilestill allowing slow dispersement into oil or fluids passing through thefilter. Alternatively, additive 416 may be dispersed into area 442 in acured state. Additive 416 is retained within area 442 due to thefrictional engagement of the additive against the surface of thedividing wall as well as the inner wall not having openings 25 disposedtherein.

In an alternative embodiment, and in order to provide further retentionof additive 416 in area 442, the inner surfaces of walls 435 definingarea 442 are textured to have a rough surface in order to increase thecoefficient of friction between the surface of wall 435 and the additivedisposed therein. One non-limiting example is to provide the wall ofarea 442 with a bead blasted surface. In yet another alternative,striations or grooves are disposed on the surface of wall 435.

Other non-limiting examples of materials comprising additive 416 arethose disclosed in the following United States Patent Publications: U.S.2004/0058830 A1; U.S. 2003/0134753 A1; U.S. 2003/0119682 A1; U.S.2003/0087769 A1; U.S. 2003/0158051 A1; and U.S. 2002/0002118 A1; thecontents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Once gelled or cured into its final disbursement form the additive willstay in receiving area 442 when disbursement device is rotated such thatopening 450 is disposed on the bottom of the disbursement device.

In an alternative embodiment, and referring now to FIG. 9 a screenmember 462 is disposed within second receiving area 442. In thisembodiment, screen member 462 provides a means for retaining largeportions of additive 416 therein while allowing smaller portions to bedispersed within the oil passing thereby. Alternatively, screen member462 is capable of being positioned over opening 450 in addition toopenings 425. In yet another alternative screen member is only disposedover opening 450.

In yet another alternative, and referring to the dashed lines in FIG. 9,the portion of wall 435 defining second receiving area 442 is replacedby a screen material 464. In this embodiment, the screen material isconfigured to surround and retain additive 416 therein while stillallowing the same to be disbursed into the fluid passing through thefilter and past the openings of the screen retaining the additive. Inthis embodiment, the screen material 464 may be disposed over additive416 or additive 416 may be dispersed into a screen member before it issecured to the remainder of disbursement device 418.

At the opposite side of the cylinder, an outlet flow path is defined bya plurality of apertures disposed within the wall portion of thecylinder defining the flow chamber as well as the other open end 451 ofthe cylinder.

In accordance with exemplary embodiment, the disbursement device ismanufactured out of an easily molded material such as plastic whereindevice 418 may be formed from an injection molding process and thematerials comprising device 418 are capable of withstanding thetemperatures and compositions encountered in the oil filter environmentas well as the manufacturing processes for disposing the additive withinthe additive containment chamber, an example of such a material is anoil tolerable plastic such as; polyacetals, nylon 6/6 and equivalentsthereof. Other contemplated materials include steel or other metalsand/or alloys suitable for applications discussed herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first row of openings provide fluidcommunication into first receiving area 441, while a pair of rows ofopenings provide fluid communication into second receiving area 442 aswell as opening 450.

In addition, it is also noted that in one embodiment, the openings 425providing fluid flow into first receiving area 441 are rectangular shapewherein the length of the opening is larger than the width while theopenings 425 in the side walls defining second receiving area 442 aresquare or have a width substantially similar to a height. Of course, isunderstood that the size, configuration, location and number ofapertures 425 may vary.

Although FIGS. 9-18 illustrate a specific configuration of the additivecartridge or disbursement device 418, it is understood that alternativeconfigurations are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, shell portion 435 may define a non-circular(e.g., ellipse, square, rectangle, triangle, trapezoid etc.) housing forboth the first and second receiving areas. In addition, the number,size, configuration and location of openings 425 may also vary toinclude non-rectangular or square openings as illustrated in theFigures.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 12 and 14-18 a plurality of spudstand off ribs 452 are located to protrude away from a surface ofdividing wall 439 into first receiving area 441. Stand off ribs providea relief away from the surface of dividing wall 439 defining area 441.This feature or protrusion will prevent an elongated spud from theengine being flushly mounted to the surface of dividing wall 439 therebylimiting fluid flow through the filter. Accordingly, ribs 452 ensure alimited amount of fluid flows through filter 420.

Referring now to FIG. 19, an exploded view of an oil filter 420constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated. Here additive cartridge or disbursement device418 is inserted within a central opening of anti-drain back valve 419,which in an exemplary embodiment comprises a rubber gasket having aflange portion that covers a plurality of inlet openings 428 in abaseplate 424. The flange portion of the anti-drain back valve preventsreverse flow of un-filtered fluid through openings 428 while allowingflow of fluid into the filter through openings 428. The elastomericmaterial of anti-drain back valve 419 allows the valve to operate insuch a manner. It is noted that filter 420 may be assembled manually orvia an automated assembly line.

Once the filter is assembled flange 444 of additive cartridge 418 sitswithin a seat defined within anti-drain back valve 419. As illustrated,the shell portion or cylindrical portion 435 of additive cartridge 418is disposed within a central cavity defined by the media of filterelement 415. In an exemplary embodiment filter element 415 comprises apleated filter media that is configured to allow fluid flow therethroughand defines a cylinder or other equivalent structure through which oilmust flow through prior to its entering the center portion of the filterelement. In addition, filter element 415 comprises a pair of end caps456 disposed at either end of filter element 415.

In exemplary embodiment, the end cap disposed proximate to additivecartridge 418 or at the inlet end of the filter comprises a plurality offlat surfaces 458 defined about the periphery of the end cap such thatonce the non-circular periphery of the end cap is disposed within thefilter housing the filter element is centrally disposed within thehousing while also providing a plurality of fluid paths between the flatsurfaces of the end cap and the filter housing. Accordingly, when thefilter media is disposed within the cylindrical housing 421 a pluralityof fluid paths are defined for fluid flow in into the filter throughopenings 428 past anti-drain back valve 419 through the openings definedbetween housing 421 and flat surfaces 458 of end cap 456 and ultimatelythrough the media of filter 415. Once past through the media of filterelement 415, the fluid is now in fluid communication with additive 416disposed in second receiving area 442 via opening 450 and openings 425disposed below dividing wall 439. Fluid flow is then permitted back intothe engine in the outlet flow path defined by openings 425 disposedabove dividing wall 439 and opening 451, which ultimately allows fluidflow into a central outlet port 426 of baseplate 424.

Referring now to FIG. 20 a partial cross-sectional view of an oil filter420 constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated. As illustrated flange 444 of cartridgeor dispersement member 418 is sandwiched between a surface of base plate424 and anti-drain back valve 419.

Here fluid flow through the filter is illustrated by arrows 458. Asillustrated, fluid to be filtered enters through openings 428 pastanti-drain back valve 419 and through the openings defined betweenhousing 421 and flat surfaces 458 of end cap 456 and ultimately throughthe media of filter 415. Once passed through the media of filter element415, the fluid passes through a plurality of openings 460 in a centertube 417. Center tube 417 is disposed within filter housing 421 andcomprises a plurality of openings therein to define a fluid path fromthe exterior of the center tube into the interior of the center tube.

As illustrated, additive cartridge 418 is substantially disposed withincenter tube 417 and fluid therein is now in fluid communication withadditive 416 disposed in second receiving area 442 via opening 450 andopenings 425 disposed below dividing wall 439. As illustrated, opening450 is disposed in a facing space relationship away from the bottom ofthe filter, which in an exemplary embodiment comprises a retainer 445 toexert a force against one end of center tube 417.

Fluid flow is then permitted back into the engine via the outlet flowpath defined by openings 425 disposed above dividing wall 439 andopening 451, which ultimately allows fluid flow through a central outletport 426 of baseplate 424. Another feature of the present invention isthat filtered oil in the filter during engine shut down is in constantcontact with additive 416 thus, once the engine is started again fluidor oil with an additive disposed therein is carried to other parts ofthe engine. Accordingly, fluid containing additive 416 disposed thereinis now used with the device (e.g., engine) having filter 420 disposedthereon.

In an alternative embodiment and referring now to FIG. 21, center tube417 is manufactured to comprise a single integrally molded piece havingadditive cartridge 418 integrally molded therein. In addition, theopenings in the sidewall of center tube 417 can be positioned to beproximate to the additive thus, increasing the flow past additive 416.Of course, the number of openings in the walls of center tube 417 dependon the desired flow through filter 420.

As discussed herein additive 416 disposed in additive cartridge 418provides a means for providing time release technology that may compriseany one of numerous additives, combinations thereof, including but notlimited to detergents, antioxidants, ash-less antioxidants, dispersantsand ash-less dispersants. Other contemplated compositions for additive416 may include a fuel economy oil viscosity modifier wherein theadditive or viscosity modifier causes and increase in engine fuelefficiency due to reduced friction in the engine. In other contemplatedembodiments, the additive may comprise a cold weather formula for use oncolder months wherein it is more desirable to have a lower viscosity oilin order to assist in cold whether start ups. Thus, the filter iscapable of being configured for seasonal use depending on geographicallocations.

In addition, an oil filter with additive 416 disposed therein willextend the acid neutralizing ability of the oil. For example, oils canbe more acidic within 3,000 miles, thus use of the additive of exemplaryembodiments of the present invention will reduce sludge formation,reduce high temperature deposits and ring sticking and improvesperformance of engine oil.

While the invention has been described with reference to one or moreexemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A method for dispersing an oil additive into an oil passing through afilter, the method comprising: filling a first cavity of an additivecartridge with an additive, the first cavity being adjacent to andseparated from a second cavity of the additive cartridge; locating thefirst cavity and at least a portion of the second cavity of the additivecartridge within a filter element disposed within a housing of thefilter, the first cavity and the second cavity of the additive cartridgebeing centrally located within an inner area defined and surrounded bythe filter element and within a flow path through the filter, the secondcavity being separated from the first cavity by a dividing wall and thesecond cavity does not have any additive disposed therein, the secondcavity defining a first fluid path through the additive cartridge andthe oil must pass through the second cavity in order to exit the filter,wherein the first cavity is completely received within the filterelement and at least a portion of the second cavity is also receivedwithin the filter element; and metering the additive through an openingin the additive cartridge, the opening providing a second fluid pathonly in fluid communication with the first cavity of the additivecartridge.
 2. The method as in claim 1, wherein the additive comprisesat least one additive selected from the group consisting of basicconditioners, corrosion inhibitors, metal deactivators, antioxidants,dispersants, friction modifiers, oil stabilizers, pour pointdepressants, detergents, viscosity index improvers, anti-wear agents,extreme pressure additives, and mixtures thereof.
 3. The method as inclaim 2, wherein the additive comprises a basic salt selected from thegroup consisting of calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassiumbicarbonate, aluminum dihydroxy sodium carbonate, magnesium oxide,magnesium carbonate, zinc oxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide,calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof.
 4. Themethod as in claim 1, wherein the additive cartridge is locatedsubstantially centrally in a housing of the filter and the first fluidpath is defined by at least two openings in the additive cartridgeneither of which provides fluid communication to the first cavity. 5.The method as in claim 1, wherein the additive cartridge is formed froman oil intolerable plastic.
 6. The method as in claim 1, wherein theadditive is a gel.
 7. The method as in claim 1, wherein the first cavityis positioned below the second cavity and the second cavity ispositioned adjacent to an outlet opening of the filter.
 8. A method forextending the useful life of a lubricating oil of an internal combustionengine by dispersing an oil additive into the lubricating oil passingthrough a filter coupled to the internal combustion engine, the methodcomprising: filling a first cavity of an additive cartridge with anadditive through an opening defined at a distal end of the additivecartridge, the first cavity and the opening at the distal end of thecartridge being defined by a wall of the additive cartridge and thefirst cavity being adjacent to and separated from a second cavity of theadditive cartridge, the second cavity of the additive cartridge alsobeing defined by the wall of the additive cartridge; curing the additivein the first cavity such that when the additive cartridge is invertedand the opening at the distal end of the cartridge is below the firstcavity and the second cavity, the cured additive remains in the firstcavity; locating the first cavity and at least a portion of the secondcavity of the additive cartridge within a filter element disposed withina housing of the filter, the first cavity and the second cavity of theadditive cartridge being centrally located within an inner area definedand surrounded by the filter element and within a fluid flow paththrough the filter, the second cavity being separated from the firstcavity by an internal dividing wall of the additive cartridge and thesecond cavity being free from cured additive disposed therein, theinternal dividing wall completely separating the first cavity from thesecond cavity, the second cavity defining a first fluid path through theadditive cartridge and the lubricating oil must pass through the secondcavity in order to exit the filter, wherein the first cavity iscompletely received within the filter element and at least a portion ofthe second cavity is also received within the filter element; andmetering the additive through an opening in the additive cartridge, theopening providing a second fluid path, the second fluid path onlyproviding fluid communication into the first cavity of the additivecartridge.
 9. The method as in claim 8, wherein the additive comprisesat least one additive selected from the group consisting of basicconditioners, corrosion inhibitors, metal deactivators, antioxidants,dispersants, friction modifiers, oil stabilizers, pour pointdepressants, detergents, viscosity index improvers, anti-wear agents,extreme pressure additives, and mixtures thereof.
 10. The method as inclaim 8, wherein the additive comprises a basic salt selected from thegroup consisting of calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassiumbicarbonate, aluminum dihydroxy sodium carbonate, magnesium oxide,magnesium carbonate, zinc oxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide,calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof.
 11. Themethod as in claim 8, wherein the additive cartridge is locatedsubstantially centrally in a housing of the filter.
 12. The method as inclaim 8, wherein the additive cartridge is formed from an oilintolerable plastic.
 13. The method as in claim 8, wherein the additiveis a gel.
 14. The method as in claim 8, wherein the additive cartridgeis disposed on a clean side of the filter element disposed in thefilter.
 15. The method as in claim 14, wherein the additive cartridge isformed from an oil intolerable plastic and the additive is a gel.
 16. Amethod for dispersing an oil additive into an oil passing through afilter, the method comprising: forming an additive cartridge, theadditive cartridge having a cylindrical shell portion having a firstopening at one distal end of the cylindrical shell portion and a secondopening at an opposite distal end of the cylindrical shell portion;separating an interior of the shell portion into a first cavity and asecond cavity by locating a dividing wall within the cylindrical shellportion; filling the first cavity of the additive cartridge with anadditive through the first opening, the first cavity being adjacent toand separated from the second cavity of the additive cartridge; curingthe additive in the first cavity such that when the additive cartridgeis inverted and the first opening is located below the first cavity andthe second cavity, the cured additive remains in the first cavity;locating the first cavity and at least a portion of the second cavity ofthe additive cartridge within a filter element disposed within a housingof the filter, the first cavity and the second cavity of the additivecartridge being centrally located within an inner area defined andsurrounded by the filter element and within a fluid flow path throughthe filter, the second cavity being free from cured additive disposedtherein and defining a first fluid path through the additive cartridgewherein the oil must pass through the second cavity in order to exit thefilter and wherein the first cavity is completely received within thefilter element and at least a portion of the second cavity is alsoreceived within the filter element; and metering the additive through atleast one other opening in the cylindrical shell portion of the additivecartridge, the at least one other opening being located below thedividing wall and providing a second fluid path for providing fluidcommunication into the first cavity of the additive cartridge, thesecond fluid path only providing fluid communication into the firstcavity.
 17. The method as in claim 16, wherein the additive cartridge islocated within a center tube having a plurality of openings and whereinoil passing through the filter must first pass through the filterelement before passing through the additive cartridge.
 18. The method asin claim 16, wherein the additive cartridge is supported in the housingby a flange portion that extends from the cylindrical shell portion ofthe additive cartridge and a plurality of openings are formed in thecylindrical shell portion to define the first fluid path through theadditive cartridge.
 19. The method as in claim 1, wherein the additivecartridge is located within a center tube having a plurality of openingsand wherein oil passing through the filter must first pass through thefilter element before passing through the additive cartridge.
 20. Themethod as in claim 8, wherein the additive cartridge is located within acenter tube having a plurality of openings and wherein lubricating oilpassing through the filter must first pass through the filter elementbefore passing through the additive cartridge.